[Chapter 721: The Quirky Culture of America]
"Master, there's been a conclusion regarding the incident at the Mount Carmel Center. I don't know what the FBI was thinking, but everyone inside is dead."
This happened in Texas, and of course, William White paid attention to it, even though it didn't involve him directly. Ever since that mysterious angel organization emerged, he had been particularly interested in events that transcended the norm.
"No way. If I remember correctly, the news said there were hundreds of people inside, many of whom were women and children."
"Yes, after a major fire, everyone was lost. Master, the FBI really messed this one up."
"Tanner, what the heck is this nonsense about the cult Branch Davidians? What's their deal?"
"Ahem, Master, it's something similar to Scientology; it's purely a scam. They preach polygamy and even said that 1993 was the end of the world. The guy claims he's the son of God."
William White found himself stunned. This was truly absurd. It would be one thing to claim he was a messenger of God, but outright declaring oneself as His son could get someone into some serious trouble.
What nonsense is this? Gods can't just go around having kids everywhere, right?
"Tanner, have you found any link between them and that angel cult? The FBI's actions seem odd; couldn't they have just gone in there directly? Even if there were casualties, it shouldn't have been this severe."
Tanner had a strange look on his face; he didn't know how to respond. Those guys used battle tactics they learned from movies and handed the FBI quite the lesson.
"Well, Master, they really admired Platoon and First Blood. They mimicked scenes from films and hit the FBI hard. The FBI ended up deploying tanks and armored vehicles but could only establish a standoff."
"Are you kidding me, Tanner? If this is true, will we ever be able to make movies in peace again? Sigh, the Russians' Alpha guys simply go in without saying a word; they will shoot anyone who moves."
Tanner was equally at a loss. This had been going on since February, and they still couldn't figure it out. It was a complete mess. If the FBI had handled it, they could have ensured there were no casualties; most people would have probably been alright.
"Master, since everyone is dead now, shouldn't we let this go?"
William White shook his head. The FBI's actions were far too amateurish; there was likely a story behind this.
"Tanner, go find out what's going on. Those idiots are so foolish that they've shattered all norms. Check if there might be something bigger behind it."
"Got it, Master."
America could basically be considered a religious country, predominantly Protestant. From this perspective, other religions wouldn't have it easy in the U.S.
Yet, that wasn't the case at all; there were countless cults all over America. As long as you weren't too outrageous, people usually left you alone.
It was really ridiculous; if a good conman set out to do something, there were barely any constraints.
If that little mustache guy could be reborn, he would surely thrive in America. Isn't it just about giving speeches and conning people? Some folks really excelled at this.
Of course, not all Americans liked this kind of thing. That guy named David shouldn't have set up the Mount Carmel Center in Texas. If it were in New York or Washington DC, he might have had even more supporters.
What kind of place is Texas?
It's practically one of the most conservative areas in America. You dare to say you're the son of God on the street, and don't be surprised if someone gives you a slap.
You can insult the president, and even if you trash Bush, people might still cheer you on. Complaining about America isn't too big a deal either; Texas has a low sense of identification with America.
You can't go around claiming to be God; you can't just say whatever you want. Most importantly, Texas cowboys are abundant, and when they act, they don't just talk. No matter how good you are at conning, it won't work here.
...
Nicole, the lovely young lady watching TV in her mansion, was shocked; she confirmed that William White wasn't messing with her.
But when these things were set up, how could no one intervene?
Heh, the young lady was overthinking it. With so many lobbying organizations in Washington, isn't that just their job?
Look, Scientology isn't well-regarded worldwide, but it's legal in America. Not only that, they even had tax exemptions.
America was indeed quirky; if you didn't have money, they wouldn't assist you. If you had money, even illegal stuff could turn legal. Lobbying groups and those senators always found ways to help solve problems.
The price you paid was just some paltry dollars.
Why didn't those Donkeys dare to face off with William White?
He made it clear: he wasn't lacking in cash, and whoever dared come at him would be dealt with; as long as it helped him, money was no issue.
In America, throwing money to deal with people was the most straightforward method. Showing off was just foolish; it was unnecessary. You want to be tough? Go ahead and throw money around like I do.
...
"Stan, you don't need to be so nervous. Stay calm, stay calm." Stan Lee forced a smile; bringing comic book characters to the big screen was always his dream. This time was the most likely for success, so how could he not be anxious?
Stan Lee sighed; if it were Captain America, he might be a bit more relaxed. Blade was just too niche; success stories for a Black lead were few and far between.
"Mr. White, it's impossible not to worry. If this works out, the follow-up plans can proceed, right?"
William White was somewhat unconcerned; he had too many cards up his sleeve. If it weren't for the current limitations of computer technology, he would've been working on the X-Men already.
Once his comic adaptations started rolling out, the Hollywood giants would surely wish for death. What could Paramount do? Even teaming up wouldn't make them my match.
Marvel's movies really didn't have much content.
Okay, even if some things had already appeared in comic books, now bringing them to the big screen might just be a wave of nostalgia. Besides, everyone sees Hamlet differently; are you sure you will succeed?
Fine, many people in Hollywood thought this way. Superman, such a popular comic, still flopped. Do you really think a lesser-known character like Blade could carry the flag for comic adaptations?
Even if the big shots had these thoughts in mind, they didn't dare to voicing them directly.
Heh, thinking they could criticize White Films? They should figure out how to beat him first. He was already producing a $200 million movie; their little toys weren't worth bringing out to show off.
So, this idea of being rigid isn't just casually said. The current filming technology is completely different from the past. If you're filming dramas, you wouldn't even understand what's happening now. This is an action film.
The advent of IMAX films was an absolute game-changer for movies like Blade. The blasts and flying blades hitting the audience's eyes were unthinkable.
This kind of visual experience? You can't find that in comic books. When that bullet was sliced in two, there were even gasps in the cinema.
*****
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